U.S. patent number 5,792,028 [Application Number 08/911,633] was granted by the patent office on 1998-08-11 for running exercise machine.
Invention is credited to John E. Jarvie.
United States Patent |
5,792,028 |
Jarvie |
August 11, 1998 |
Running exercise machine
Abstract
An exercise machine is disclosed herein comprising: a frame; a
lower crank mounted on the frame; a substantially identical upper
crank mounted on the frame above the lower crank; a right moment
arm pivotably connected to both upper and lower right crank arms; a
left moment arm pivotably connected to both upper and lower left
crank arms; and a pedal connected to the bottom end of each of the
moment arms. Simultaneous rotation of the lower crank in a forward
direction and the upper crank in a reverse direction generates
forward orbital motion of said right pedal and forward orbital
motion of said left pedal, thereby simulating the movements of a
user's feet during running and/or walking. The disclosed exercise
machine may also provide for arm movements appropriate for running
and/or walking. This may be achieved by an exercise machine further
comprising right and left upper reciprocating arms with handles
that are pivotably connected to the frame above the upper crank and
coupled to the upper crank by connecting rods, so that rotation of
the upper crank causes reciprocating motion of the arms and
handles. Alternatively, an exercise machine may further comprise
handles connected to the top ends of the moment arms. The
simultaneous rotation of the upper and lower cranks generates
reverse orbital motion of the handles.
Inventors: |
Jarvie; John E. (Springfield,
OR) |
Family
ID: |
25430596 |
Appl.
No.: |
08/911,633 |
Filed: |
August 15, 1997 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/51;
482/52 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B
22/001 (20130101); A63B 22/0664 (20130101); B62K
3/005 (20130101); A63B 22/0015 (20130101); A63B
2022/0051 (20130101); A63B 2022/0688 (20130101); A63B
69/0057 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A63B
23/04 (20060101); A63B 23/035 (20060101); A63B
022/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;482/51,52,53,70,57,96,148,79,80 ;434/255 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Crow; Stephen R.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Alavi; David S.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An exercise machine, comprising:
a frame having a front, a back, a right side, a left side, and a
bottom;
a lower crank, comprising a crank axle, a left crank arm, and a
right crank arm, said lower crank being mounted on said frame and
rotatable about a lower horizontal transverse rotation axis;
an upper crank, comprising a crank axle, a left crank arm, and a
right crank arm, said upper crank being mounted on said frame above
said lower crank and rotatable about an upper horizontal transverse
rotation axis, said upper axis being higher than and substantially
parallel to said lower axis, said upper axis and said lower axis
forming a rotation axis reference plane, said upper crank having
substantially the same dimensions as said lower crank;
a right moment arm having a top end and a bottom end, said right
moment arm being pivotably connected to each of the right crank arm
of said lower crank and the right crank arm of said upper crank, so
that substantial downward alignment of the right crank arm of said
lower crank in the reference plane and substantial downward
alignment of the right crank arm of said upper crank in the
reference plane may occur simultaneously;
a left moment arm having a top end and a bottom end, said left
moment arm being pivotably connected to each of the left crank arm
of said lower crank and the left crank arm of said upper crank, so
that substantial downward alignment of the left crank arm of said
lower crank in the reference plane and substantial downward
alignment of the left crank arm of said upper crank in the
reference plane may occur simultaneously;
a right compensator, said right compensator being pivotably
connected to the right crank arm of one of said lower crank and
said upper crank and pivotably connected to said right moment arm,
thereby pivotably connecting the right crank arm of one of said
lower crank and said upper crank to said right moment arm;
a left compensator, said left compensator being pivotably connected
to the left crank arm of one of said lower crank and said upper
crank and pivotably connected to said left moment arm, thereby
pivotably connecting the left crank arm of one of said lower crank
and said upper crank to said left moment arm; and
a right pedal connected to the bottom end of said right moment arm
and a left pedal connected to the bottom end of said left moment
arm,
wherein simultaneous rotation of said lower crank in a forward
direction and said upper crank in a reverse direction generates
forward orbital motion of said right pedal and forward orbital
motion of said left pedal.
2. An exercise machine as recited in claim 1, further
comprising:
a right upper reciprocating arm having a first end and a second
end, the first end being pivotably connected to said frame above
said upper crank and the second end having a handle;
a left upper reciprocating arm having a first end and a second end,
the first end being pivotably connected to said frame above said
upper crank and the second end having a handle;
a right connecting rod having a first end and a second end and
being pivotably connected at the first end to said right crank arm
of said upper crank and being pivotably connected at the second end
to said right upper reciprocating arm between the first and second
ends of said reciprocating arm, whereby rotation of said upper
crank causes reciprocating motion of said right upper reciprocating
arm; and
a left connecting rod having a first end and a second end and being
pivotably connected at the first end to said left crank arm of said
upper crank and being pivotably connected at the second end to said
left upper reciprocating arm between the first and second ends of
said reciprocating arm, whereby rotation of said upper crank causes
reciprocating motion of said left upper reciprocating arm.
3. An exercise machine as recited in claim 2, further comprising
means for coupling the rotation of said upper crank and said lower
crank, whereby said upper crank and said lower crank are
constrained to rotate at substantially the same rate and in
opposite directions.
4. An exercise machine as recited in claim 3, wherein:
said lower crank further comprises a substantially circular chain
ring mounted on the crank axle;
said upper crank further comprises a substantially circular chain
ring mounted on the crank axle, said chain ring having
substantially the same dimensions as the chain ring of said lower
crank; and
said coupling means comprises a chain, said chain engaging the
chain ring of said upper crank and the chain ring of said lower
crank and being arranged in a crossed "figure-eight" configuration,
thereby constraining said upper crank and said lower crank to
rotate at substantially the same rate and in opposite
directions.
5. An exercise machine as recited in claim 3, wherein said coupling
means comprises:
a crown gear wheel mounted on the crank axle of said lower
crank;
a crown gear wheel mounted on the crank axle of said upper crank;
and
a coupling gear assembly comprising a lower pinion gear engaging
the crown gear wheel of said lower crank, an upper pinion gear
engaging the crown gear wheel of said upper crank, and a shaft
connecting the upper pinion gear and the power pinion gear.
6. An exercise machine as recited in claim 2, wherein at least one
of said lower crank and said upper crank is coupled to a resistance
device.
7. An exercise machine as recited in claim 6, wherein said lower
crank further comprises a resistance chain ring, and said
resistance device is coupled to said lower crank by a chain engaged
with the resistance chain ring of said lower crank.
8. An exercise machine as recited in claim 7, wherein said
resistance chain ring is elliptical.
9. An exercise machine as recited in claim 6, wherein said
resistance devise comprises at least one friction wheel.
10. An exercise machine as recited in claim 6, wherein:
said frame is provided with at least two wheels, thereby allowing
said exercise machine to roll;
said resistance device comprises at least one of said at least two
wheels; and
forward rotation of said lower crank causes said exercise machine
to roll forward.
11. An exercise machine as recited in claim 2, further comprising a
pad mounted on said frame so that a user of said exercise machine
may lean forward against said pad when standing with a foot on each
of said right and left pedals and facing toward the front of the
frame.
12. An exercise machine as recited in claim 2, further comprising a
seat mounted on said frame so that a user of said exercise machine
may sit on said seat with a foot on each of said right and left
pedals and facing toward the front of said frame.
13. An exercise machine as recited in claim 2, further comprising a
base for supporting said frame in a stationary position.
14. An exercise machine as recited in claim 2, further
comprising:
a base for supporting said frame in a stationary position;
a substantially circular chain ring mounted on the crank axle of
said lower crank;
a substantially circular chain ring mounted on the crank axle of
said upper crank, said chain ring having substantially the same
dimensions as the chain ring of said lower crank;
means for coupling the rotation of said upper crank and said lower
crank, said coupling means comprising a chain, said chain engaging
the chain ring of said upper crank and the chain ring of said lower
crank and being arranged in a crossed "figure-eight" configuration,
thereby constraining said upper crank and said lower crank to
rotate at substantially the same rate and in opposite
directions;
a resistance device;
an elliptical resistance chain ring mounted on the crank axle of
said lower crank, said lower crank being coupled to said resistance
device by a chain engaged with the resistance chain ring of said
lower crank; and
a pad mounted on said frame so that a user of said exercise machine
may lean forward against said pad when standing with a foot on each
of said right and left pedals and facing toward the front of the
frame.
15. An exercise machine as recited in claim 1, further comprising a
right handle connected to the top end of said right moment arm and
a left handle connected to the top end of said left moment arm,
wherein said simultaneous rotation of said lower crank and said
upper crank generates reverse orbital motion of said right handle
and reverse orbital motion of said left handle.
16. An exercise machine as recited in claim 15, further comprising
means for coupling the rotation of said upper crank and said lower
crank, whereby said upper crank and said lower crank are
constrained to rotate at substantially the same rate and in
opposite directions.
17. An exercise machine as recited in claim 16, wherein:
said lower crank further comprises a substantially circular chain
ring mounted on the crank axle;
said upper crank further comprises a substantially circular chain
ring mounted on the crank axle, said chain ring having
substantially the same dimensions as the chain ring of said lower
crank; and
said coupling means comprises a chain, said chain engaging the
chain ring of said upper crank and the chain ring of said lower
crank and being arranged in a crossed "figure-eight" configuration,
thereby constraining said upper crank and said lower crank to
rotate at substantially the same rate and in opposite
directions.
18. An exercise machine as recited in claim 16, wherein said
coupling means comprises:
a crown gear wheel mounted on the crank axle of said lower
crank;
a crown gear wheel mounted on the crank axle of said upper crank;
and
a coupling gear assembly comprising a lower pinion gear engaging
the crown gear wheel of said lower crank, an upper pinion gear
engaging the crown gear wheel of said upper crank, and a shaft
connecting the upper pinion gear and the power pinion gear.
19. An exercise machine as recited in claim 15, wherein at least
one of said lower crank and said upper crank is coupled to a
resistance device.
20. An exercise machine as recited in claim 19, wherein said lower
crank further comprises a resistance chain ring, and said
resistance device is coupled to said lower crank by a chain engaged
with the resistance chain ring of said lower crank.
21. An exercise machine as recited in claim 20, wherein said
resistance chain ring is elliptical.
22. An exercise machine as recited in claim 19, wherein said
resistance devise comprises at least one friction wheel.
23. An exercise machine as recited in claim 19, wherein:
said frame is provided with at least two wheels, thereby allowing
said exercise machine to roll;
said resistance device comprises at least one of said at least two
wheels; and
forward rotation of said lower crank causes said exercise machine
to roll forward.
24. An exercise machine as recited in claim 15, further comprising
a pad mounted on said frame so that a user of said exercise machine
may lean forward against said pad when standing with a foot on each
of said right and left pedals and facing toward the front of the
frame.
25. An exercise machine as recited in claim 15, further comprising
a seat mounted on said frame so that a user of said exercise
machine may sit on said seat with a foot on each of said right and
left pedals and facing toward the front of said frame.
26. An exercise machine as recited in claim 15, further comprising
a base for supporting said frame in a stationary position.
27. An exercise machine as recited in claim 15, further
comprising:
a base for supporting said frame in a stationary position;
a substantially circular chain ring mounted on the crank axle of
said lower crank;
a substantially circular chain ring mounted on the crank axle of
said upper crank, said chain ring having substantially the same
dimensions as the chain ring of said lower crank;
means for coupling the rotation of said upper crank and said lower
crank, said coupling means comprising a chain, said chain engaging
the chain ring of said upper crank and the chain ring of said lower
crank and being arranged in a crossed "figure-eight" configuration,
thereby constraining said upper crank and said lower crank to
rotate at substantially the same rate and in opposite
directions;
a resistance device;
an elliptical resistance chain ring mounted on the crank axle of
said lower crank, said lower crank being coupled to said resistance
device by a chain engaged with the resistance chain ring of said
lower crank; and
a pad mounted on said frame so that a user of said exercise machine
may lean forward against said pad when standing with a foot on each
of said right and left pedals and facing toward the front of the
frame.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The field of the present invention relates to exercise equipment.
In particular, a running exerciser is described herein for
simulating walking and/or running motions for exercise and/or
physical training purposes.
BACKGROUND
A myriad of exercise machines are on the market today.
These machines are used to simulate a wide variety of exercise
motions, and may be used for a range of physical training regimens,
including, for example, resistance training and aerobic endurance
training. Machines may be purchased for simulating weight lifting
motions, running motions, stair-climbing motions, skiing motions,
cycling motions, walking motions, and others. A particular
advantage of many of these machines is the reduction of the bodily
impacts associated with many exercise activities.
Cycling simulators, ski simulators, and stair simulators may be
particularly noted for the elimination of impacts affecting the
hips, knees, ankles, and feet. These machines generally do not
reproduce what to many are the most natural exercise motions:
walking and running.
Most currently available exercise machines for simulating walking
and/or running are treadmill-type devices. While these machines
allow walking and/or running exercise motions while remaining
stationary, treadmills do not reduce or eliminate impacts inflicted
on the user's lower limbs. There exists, therefore, a need for an
exercise machine which simulates a natural running motion while
eliminating the impacts on the user normally associated with
walking and/or running. Previous devices producing low- or
no-impact leg motions often produce unnatural reciprocating-type
motions of the feet, and do not produce an orbital-type motions of
the feet normally associated with running and/or walking. Further,
treadmill devices generally do not provide for upper limb motions
normally associated with walking and/or running. Typically a user
will place his/her hands on a stationary bar while walking/running
on the treadmill. There exists, therefore, a need for an exercise
machine which simulates natural motion of the upper limbs
associated with walking and/or running.
Exercise machines may also be utilized for the training of athletes
in the proper form for walking and/or running. Treadmills, however,
do nothing to constrain the motions of the athlete's feet and/or
hands. There exists, therefore, a need for an exercise machine for
simulating walking and/or running motions while constraining the
motions of the user's hands and/or feet to follow predetermined and
well-defined paths.
SUMMARY
Certain aspects of the present invention may overcome
aforementioned drawbacks of the previous art and advance the
state-of-the-art of exercise machines, and in addition may meet one
or more of the following objects:
To provide an exercise machine which may simulate walking and/or
running motions;
To provide an exercise machine which may eliminate bodily impacts
inflicted on a user performing walking and/or running motions;
To provide an exercise machine which may produce forward orbital
motions of a user's feet;
To provide an exercise machine which may produce reverse orbital
motions of a user's hands;
To provide an exercise machine which may produce reciprocating
motions of a user's hands;
To provide an exercise machine in which the hand and/or foot
motions of a user may be precisely constrained;
To provide an exercise machine in which running and/or walking
motions are produced by moment arms coupled to counter-rotating
cranks;
To provide an exercise machine operable by a user in an upright
position;
To provide an exercise machine operable by a user in a seated
position;
To provide an exercise machine which may remain stationary while in
use;
To provide an exercise machine incorporating a resistance device;
and
To provide an exercise machine which may be propelled by the
movements of a user.
One or more of said objects may be achieved in the present
invention by an exercise machine comprising: a frame; a lower crank
mounted on the frame; a substantially identical upper crank mounted
on the frame above the lower crank; a right moment arm pivotably
connected to both upper and lower right crank arms, so that
substantial downward alignment of both upper and lower right crank
arms along a line between the two crank axes may occur
simultaneously; a left moment arm pivotably connected to both upper
and lower left crank arms, so that substantial downward alignment
of both upper and lower left crank arms along a line between the
two crank axes may occur simultaneously; a right compensator
pivotably connecting the right crank arm of one of the upper or
lower cranks to the right moment arm; a left compensator pivotably
connecting the left crank arm of one of the upper or lower cranks
to the left moment arm; and a pedal connected to the bottom end of
each of the moment arms. Simultaneous rotation of the lower crank
in a forward direction and the upper crank in a reverse direction
generates forward orbital motion of the pedals, thereby simulating
the movements of a user's feet during running and/or walking. A
wide variety of orbital motions for the user's feet may be
generated by varying such parameters as the length of the crank
arms, the distance between the crank axes, the length of the moment
arms, and the shape of the moment arms. These motions do not result
in bodily impacts inflicted on the user. The two cranks may be
coupled so that they are constrained to rotate at substantially
equal rates in opposite directions. The exercise machine may also
be provided with a stationary base, wheels, a resistance device, a
pad for leaning, and/or a seat.
An exercise machine according to the present invention may also
provide for arm movements appropriate for running and/or walking.
This may be achieved by an exercise machine further comprising
right and left upper reciprocating arms with handles that are
pivotably connected to the frame above the upper crank and coupled
to the upper crank by connecting rods, so that rotation of the
upper crank causes reciprocating motion of the arms and handles.
Alternatively, an exercise machine may further comprise handles
connected to the top ends of the moment arms. The simultaneous
rotation of the upper and lower cranks generates reverse orbital
motion of the handles.
Additional objects and advantages of the present invention may
become apparent upon referring to the preferred and alternative
embodiments of the present invention as illustrated in the drawings
and described in the written disclosure and/or claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1a-1b show side and front views of an embodiment of an
exercise machine according to the present invention.
FIG. 2b shows details of the coupling of upper and lower cranks and
resistance device by chains in an embodiment of an exercise machine
according to the present invention.
FIGS. 3a-3b shows side and front views of an embodiment of an
exercise machine according to the present invention.
FIGS. 4a-4d illustrate examples of orbital motions generated lo by
moment arms in various embodiments of an exercise machine according
to the present invention.
FIGS. 5a-5b show front and side views of an embodiment of an
exercise machine according to the present invention.
FIGS. 6a-6b show front and side views of an embodiment of an
exercise machine according to the present invention.
FIGS. 7a-7b shows top and side views of an embodiment of an
exercise machine according to the present invention.
FIG. 8 shows details of the coupling of upper and lower cranks by
gears in an embodiment of an exercise machine according to the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED AND ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS
For purposes of this specification, including the claims, the term
"forward rotation" and its equivalents shall denote clockwise
rotation when viewed from the right side of the exercise machine.
Similarly, the term "reverse rotation" and its equivalents shall
denote counter-clockwise rotation when viewed from the right side
of the exercise machine. The term "forward orbital motion" and its
equivalents shall denote clockwise motion along a path comprising a
simple closed curve as viewed from the right side of the exercise
machine. The term "reverse orbital motion" and its equivalents
shall denote counter-clockwise motion along a path comprising a
simple closed curve as viewed from the right side of the exercise
machine. The right side of the exercise machine is the side on a
user's right side when facing forward in a position suitable for
use of the exercise machine.
FIGS. 1a-1b shows front and side views of a preferred embodiment of
an exercise machine according to the present invention. Frame 102
may rest on the ground on base portion 104. Lower crank 110 and
upper crank 120 are shown mounted on frame 102 with their
respective axes oriented horizontally, transversely, and parallel
to each other. The parallel axes of the upper and lower cranks
define a rotation axis reference plane (not shown). Each crank is a
standard bicycle-type crank, comprising an axle portion about which
the crank rotates, and right and left crank arms extending radially
from the rotation axis of the crank 180.degree. from each other.
The upper and lower cranks preferably have substantially the same
dimensions.
In the subsequent description, structures appearing on both sides
of the exercise machine will only be described for the right side
of the exercise machine. It should be understood that such
structures described for the right side of the exercise machine
have counterparts on the left side. Right moment arm 130 is
pivotably connected to right crank arms 112 and 122 of each of the
upper and lower cranks 110 and 120, respectively. The connection
between lower crank arm 112 and moment arm 130 is made via
compensator 132 pivotably connected at one end to crank arm 112 and
at the other end to moment arm 130. The pivotable connections
between crank arms 112 and 122, compensator 132, and moment arm 130
are such that upper and lower crank arms 112 and 122 may
simultaneously be substantially downwardly aligned in the rotation
axis reference plane. Such pivotable connections also allow the
upper and lower crank arms 112 and 122 to be simultaneously
substantially upwardly aligned in the rotation axis reference
plane. The lower end of moment arm 130 may be provided with a pedal
134 on which a user may place his/her foot in order to use the
exercise machine. Simultaneous forward rotation of lower crank 110
and reverse rotation of upper crank 120 results in forward orbital
motion of pedal 134 along elongated orbital path 136, simulating
the motion of the user's foot while running.
The simultaneous rotation of cranks 110 and 120 may be coupled.
FIGS. 2a-2b shows means for constraining the rotation of cranks 110
and 120 so that they rotate at substantially the same rate and in
opposite directions. FIGS. 2a-2b shows two different coupling
mechanisms based on a timing chain and chain rings. Lower crank 110
may be provided with chain ring 114 and upper crank 120 may be
provided with chain ring 124. Chain rings 114 and 124 preferably
have substantially the same dimensions. Chain 150 may be engaged
about chain rings 114 and 124 in a "figure-eight" configuration as
shown in FIG. 2A, thereby constraining chain rings 114 and 124 (and
cranks 110 and 120) to rotate in opposite directions at
substantially the same rate. Chain separator 152 may be employed to
prevent the crossed portions of chain 150 from interfering with
each other. Alternatively, idler chain ring 154 may be employed,
and chain 150 engaged with chain rings 114, 124, and 154 as shown
in FIG. 2B. This arrangement also constrains chain rings 114 and
124 (and cranks 110 and 120) to rotate in opposite directions at
substantially the same rate, but avoids the chain crossing shown in
FIG. 2A.
As shown in FIGS. 2a-2b lower crank 110 may be provided with
resistance chain ring 116, and chain 156 may be employed to couple
chain ring 116 to a resistance device 160. Chain ring 116 may be
substantially circular, or may be elliptical in order to vary the
required resistance over the course of a rotation. An elliptical
resistance chain ring should be oriented so that the largest gear
ratio is brought to bear at the most forward point of the pedal
orbit. It is at this point that the force applied to the exercise
machine is the greatest. If a round gear is used the user
experiences a sudden drop as the pedal drops down and around the
forward end of the pedal orbit. A larger gear ratio at this point
smoothes out the motion for the user. The chains, chain rings, and
resistance device may be incorporated into the embodiment of FIG.
1, but were omitted from FIG. 1 for clarity.
Referring again to FIGS. 1A-1B, right upper reciprocating arm 170
is shown pivotably connected at one end to frame 102 at fixed pivot
point 171, and having handle 172 at the other end. Right connecting
rod 174 is pivotably connected at one end to the right crank arm
122 of upper crank 120, and pivotably connected at the other end to
reciprocating arm 170. As upper crank 120 rotates, arm 170 and
handle 172 undergo reciprocating motion along arc-shaped path 176,
simulating motion of a user's hand while running.
To use the exercise machine of FIGS. 1A-1B, a user must straddle
the exercise machine with cranks 110 and 120 behind him/her. The
user's feet are then placed on the pedals 134, and the hands placed
on handles 172. Frame 102 is provided with pad 180, against which
the user may lean forward while using the exercise machine in a
substantially upright position. Pad 180 and a portion of frame 102
have been omitted from the front view of FIG. 1B for clarity. As
shown in FIG. 1A, the bottom portion of moment arm 130 is bent
forward at a point below the pivotable attachment of compensator
132. This allows positioning of orbital path 136 of pedal 134 at a
location appropriate to simulate a natural running motion.
Likewise, reciprocating arm 170 is shown curved and elongated in
order to place path 176 at a location appropriate to simulate a
natural running motion. A wide range of motions may be generated by
adjusting the lengths of the crank arms, the distance between the
crank axes, the lengths and shapes of the moment arms, and the
lengths and shapes of the reciprocating arms. In this way users of
various statures may be accommodated, and/or specific hand and foot
motions may be imposed upon the user for training purposes. Curved
and/or bent shapes of moment arm 130 and/or reciprocating arm 170
may also serve to reduce interference with the user's arm and/or
legs while using the exercise machine. Frame 102 may be configured
in a variety of ways with this same objective in mind. The user may
proceed to move with a running or walking motion to use the
exercise machine. Resistance may be provided by a resistance device
as depicted in FIGS. 2A-2B (not shown in FIG. 1).
An alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown in
FIGS. 3A-3B. Chains and chain rings have been omitted from FIGS.
3A-3B for clarity. Likewise, pad 180 and resistance device 160 have
been omitted from the front view of FIGS. 3A-3B. In this embodiment
the cranks 110 and 120 are positioned in front of the user. The
lower ends of moment arms 130 are accordingly bent toward the rear
of the exercise machine to properly position orbital path 136 with
respect to the position of the user, who leans forward against pad
180. Reciprocating arms 170 are not present in this embodiment.
Instead, handles 172 are pivotably connected to the upper ends of
moment arms 130. As the user runs on the exercise machine, his/her
hands move in a reverse direction about orbital path 178.
FIGS. 4A-4D illustrates the variety of orbital paths 136 and 178
that may be produced by the rotation of cranks 110 and 120 and
attached moment arm 130. FIG. 4A shows a simple straight moment arm
130 attached to cranks 110 and 120. Each of paths 136 and 178 are
elongated in the horizontal direction. The vertical extent of
orbital paths 136 and 178 is equal to twice the length of crank
arms 112 and 122. The horizontal extents of orbital paths 136 and
178 depend on the distance between cranks 110 and 120, the length
of crank arms 112 and 122, and the distances from the points of
attachment of crank arms 112 and 122 to the lower and upper ends,
respectively, of moment arm 130. Many combinations of lengths can
be used, which allow great flexibility in designing an optimal
exercise motion for a user. The distances may be made adjustable in
order to allow accommodation of users of a variety of statures and
having differing exercise goals. Specific hand and/or foot motions
may be imposed upon the user for training purposes. For example,
FIG. 4B shows orbital path 136 becoming more elongated as the
cranks are moved closer together relative to FIG. 4A. FIG. 4C shows
the displacement of orbital path 136 as the ends of moment arm 130
are curved and/or bent. This allows further flexibility in
producing optimal exercise motions and/or running simulation. It
should be noted that while a wide range of motions may be produced,
it may not be possible to produce an arbitrary orbital path for the
user's hands and/or feet.
FIG. 4D illustrates the effect of coupling the rotation of the
cranks and the need for compensators 132. Without compensators 132,
it is not possible for cranks 110 and 120 to rotate in opposite
directions with moment arms attached to both sides of the cranks.
Likewise, it is not possible for cranks 110 and 120 to rotate in
opposite directions at the same rate without compensators 132, even
with only one moment arm attached. Without compensators 132, the
cranks would rotate at the same average rate, but the rate would
vary somewhat during the course of each rotation and the variation
depends on whether the moment arm is connected to the right crank
arms or the left crank arms, thereby making it impossible for
cranks 110 and 120 to rotate in opposite directions without
compensators 132 when moment arms 130 are connected to crank arms
on both sides, or when cranks 110 and 120 are constrained to rotate
in opposite directions at the same rate. Compensators are shown
pivotably connecting the lower crank arms to the moment arms.
Alternatively, compensators may equivalently be used to pivotably
connect the upper crank arms to the moment arms.
FIG. 5A-5B illustrate an alternative embodiment of the present
invention in which another crank and handle moment arms have been
added. Chains and chain rings have been omitted from FIGS. 5A-5B
for clarity. Likewise, pad 180 and resistance device 160 have been
omitted from the front view of FIG. 5B. The handle moment arms 191
provide greater flexibility in tailoring the hand motion of the
user. Top crank 190 is positioned above upper crank 120, which has
been modified to include an additional pivot point 123 on crank arm
122. In a manner completely analogous to the pivotable attachment
of moment arm 130 to cranks 110 (through compensators 132) and 120
(directly), handle moment arm 191 is pivotably connected at the
upper end to crank arm 192, pivotably connected via compensator 194
to pivot point 123 of crank arm 122, and provided at the lower end
with handle 196. Crank 190 rotates in a forward direction during
operation of the exercise machine, and may be coupled to crank 120
thereby constraining crank 190 to rotate in the opposite direction
from and at substantially the same rate as crank 120. By varying
the distance between crank 120 and crank 190, the length of crank
arm 192, and the length of handle moment arm 191, a wide variety of
handle orbital motions may be produced, in a manner completely
analogous to that described hereinabove.
FIGS. 6A-6B show an alternative embodiment of the present invention
in which is functionally nearly equivalent to the embodiment of
FIGS. 1A-1B. Pedals 134 follow orbital path 136 while handles 172
undergo reciprocating motion along arc 176. However, in the
embodiment of FIGS. 6A-6B, the right and left sides of cranks 110
and 120 have been separated, allowing the user occupy positions
between the right and left sides of cranks 110 and 120. Unlike the
embodiments of FIGS. 1, 3, and 5, the user may be arbitrarily
positioned relative to the crank axes. By removing the cranks,
chain rings, and chains from a mid-line position and moving them to
the sides of the apparatus, greater flexibility of user position,
foot motion, and hand motion are attainable. It is necessary to
maintain synchronization of the two halves of the exercise machine,
as though cranks 110 and 120 were indeed single units. This is
achieved in the embodiment of FIGS. 6A-6B by coupling both sides to
a common resistance device, but may be achieved by any suitable
timing mechanism.
FIGS. 7A-7B show an alternative embodiment of the present invention
in which seat 182 is provided instead of pad 180. Chains and chain
rings have been omitted from the top view for clarity. Cranks 110
and 120 are positioned, and moments arms 130 are curved, so that
while seated in seat 182 a user may place his/her feet on pedals
134 and grasp handles 172 and comfortably drive the exercise
machine. Instead of base 104, wheels 106 are provided, thereby
allowing the exercise machine to roll freely. Crank 110 is coupled
to at least one of wheels 106, which thereby serves as a drive
wheel and resistance device 160. By operating the exercise machine
a user may propel him/herself and the exercise machine in a manner
quite similar to a recumbent bicycle. Without departing from
inventive concepts disclosed and/or claimed herein, seat 182 may be
incorporated into a stationary exercise machine. Similarly, pad 180
may be incorporated into a moving, bicycle-like exercise machine,
to be operated by a user using an upright running-like motion.
Without departing from inventive concepts disclosed and/or claimed
herein, in a alternative embodiment of the present invention, any
means may be employed to constrain cranks 110 and 120 to rotate in
opposite directions at substantially the same rate. For example,
FIG. 8 illustrates a gear system which may be employed to couple
cranks 110 and 120. Lower crank 110 may be provided with crown gear
118, and upper crank 120 may be provided with crown gear 128. Lower
pinion gear 119 and upper pinion gear 129 may be mounted on a
common shaft, with lower pinion gear 119 engaging crown gear 118
and upper pinion gear 129 engaging crown gear 128, thereby
constraining cranks 110 and 120 to rotate in opposite directions at
substantially the same rate. Suitable coupling/constraining means
may include but is not limited to: chain rings and chains, gears,
pulleys and cables, drive shafts, sprockets, functional equivalents
thereof, and/or combinations thereof. Without departing from
inventive concepts disclosed and/or claimed herein, the means for
coupling crank 110 and/or crank 120 to a resistance device may
include but is not limited to: chain rings and chains, gears,
pulleys and cables, drive shafts, sprockets, functional equivalents
thereof, and/or combinations thereof. Without departing from
inventive concepts disclosed and/or claimed herein, the resistance
device may include but is not limited to: a friction device, a
drive wheel, a flywheel, weights, springs, elastic devices,
hydraulic devices, pneumatic devices, aerodynamic devices,
electromagnetic devices, functional equivalents thereof, and/or
combinations thereof.
The present invention has been set forth in the form of its
preferred embodiments. It is nevertheless intended that
modifications to the disclosed exercise machines may be made
without departing from inventive concepts disclosed and/or claimed
herein.
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